Hainan, China: Super Typhoon ‘Yagi’ has made landfall on China’s southern island of Hainan, prompting the evacuation of over 400,000 people. With wind speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour, Yagi is one of the most powerful typhoons to hit the region in recent years.
Local authorities have declared an emergency and mobilized disaster response teams to mitigate the effects of the storm. Residents from coastal areas and flood-prone zones have been relocated to temporary shelters as a precautionary measure.
Power outages have been reported across several parts of the island, and transportation services have been suspended, with flights and ferry services cancelled due to the dangerous weather conditions.
Meteorologists warn that Super Typhoon Yagi could bring torrential rains, triggering landslides and flash floods in the days ahead. Emergency crews are on high alert, and the Chinese military has been deployed to assist with rescue and relief operations.
The Ministry of Water Resources has elevated its emergency flood response in both provinces to the third-highest level.
Xinhua stated that, “Yagi is expected to be the most powerful typhoon to strike China’s southern coast since 2014, significantly complicating flood prevention efforts.” As Hainan faces the brunt of the storm, nearby provinces have also issued severe weather alerts, preparing for potential spillover effects from the typhoon.
Asia’s most powerful storm of the year is also causing tens of thousands in neighboring Vietnam to seek shelter, as it is projected to make landfall there over the weekend. Meanwhile, Chinese officials are keeping a close watch on the situation, advising residents to adhere to safety measures and remain indoors until the storm has passed.
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